Monitor the Effectiveness of the Clinical Management of Patients

Chemical Immune Reactivity Screen™

Cyrex Laboratories is excited to introduce a breakthrough technology that identifies immune responses to chemicals bound to human proteins. This is the first test to measure the actual immune response to chemicals, instead of simply detecting the level of chemical exposure/load.

*As with many lab tests, prescription and OTC medications may interfere with the results of Array 11.

Potential Molecular Mechanisms

Where Loss of Tolerance Exists

Clinical Uses

Identify the loss of immune tolerance associated with xenobiotic exposure, which may lead to autoimmune reactivity*

Assist in setting guidelines for the avoidance of specific chemicals to reduce the risk of igniting the autoimmune process*

Monitor the effectiveness of the clinical management of patients*

*As with many lab tests, prescription and OTC medications may interfere with the results of Array 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some common questions about Array 11 - Chemical Immune Reactivity Screen from Cyrex Laboratories.

What is the difference between measuring chemical levels and Array 11?

Methodologies that measure levels of chemicals in stool, urine or hair, while providing evidence of exposure, fail in determining a person’s health risk. Two people may have the same exposure to a particular chemical and one will not be affected while the other can have significant health consequences from it. Looking at the humoral immune response tells us more than just levels do, it tells us how the person is reacting to the given exposure. Humoral immunity, the system in which antibodies are produced to fight/recognize invading elements, is tested for a variety of clinical purposes from allergies to viral infections. This same trusted testing methodology can be used to detect antibodies to chemicals bound to human tissue.

What are the possible immune responses to chemical exposures?

Depending on the person’s genetic ability to handle xenobiotics, amount and duration of exposure and body burden of accumulated insults, adverse effects on the immune system can result from exposure to xenobiotics (immunotoxicity) such as immune suppression or immune stimulation.

Immune suppression leaves the patient more susceptible to infections. Combinations of chemical and stealth organism exposures have been shown to contribute to illness.

Immune stimulation may result in allergic reactions or autoimmunity. Autoimmune responses can be induced by environmental chemicals through a variety of effects including cellular, biochemical and molecular.[1]

What do the results of Array 11 say about the duration of chemical exposure?

Any antibody production is an indication of exposure to the chemical and the binding of the chemical to human tissue, resulting in body burden to the chemical. According to Greim, IgM is produced as a primary response in the first days of defense. If previous exposures have occurred, a secondary immune response results in IgG production. High levels of these antibodies indicate an immune reaction to an antigen which threatens the homeostasis of the body and may result in autoimmune reactivity.

Does the level of antibodies correlate with the quantity of exposure?

No. Each person has an individual response to chemicals. Some patients may have low-level exposure, but high body-burden (elevated antibodies), while others may have high or acute-level exposure, but no measurable body burden (normal antibody levels).

Are any of the chemicals on Array 11 carcinogenic?

This question is beyond the scope of Cyrex Labs' testing and expertise, as Cyrex is testing immune responses, NOT carcinogenic properties. Substantial literature and research has been performed by others on this subject and is available online.

How do chemicals enter the body?

Depending upon the chemical and its use, infiltration of the body can occur by contact (through the skin), inhalation (through the lungs), and ingestion (through the gastrointestinal tract).

Are there any medications, foods, conditions, or other factors that could interfere with the results of Array 11?

While Cyrex is unable to provide an exhaustive answer to this question due to the interactive complexities and varieties of medications and patient circumstances, the following has been noted:

Array 11 assesses immune reactivity to chemicals bound to human tissue. Most medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, are chemicals which may also bind to human tissue and therefore may interfere with Array 11 results. Large molecular weight pharmaceuticals can elicit antibody production by themselves. Low molecular weight pharmaceuticals are haptens that may bind to human proteins and cause immune responses. Pharmaceuticals may also induce neo-antigen production with possible cross-reactivity. [1]

Pharmaceutical and OTC medications have been shown in in-vitro assessments to possibly interfere with Array 11 results. It may be helpful, if applicable under the guidance of a physician, that medications be cleared from the system prior to testing. Depending on individual immune response to medications, additional time for potential drug-induced neo-antigen antibody reduction may be helpful.

Additionally, as with all immune testing: Immunosuppressant and corticosteroid drugs reduce antibody production and can cause false negative results. Wait 60 days after completion of steroid dosages before collecting the serum specimen. In cases of prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs, it might take longer than 60 days for regeneration of normal immunoglobulin production.

How do I determine the clearance schedule of medications?

This information is provided by the manufacturer and may be found on the package inserts, labeling or manufacturer website. This information is also available through various professional references and websites.